Ravindra Yavagal

Pandit Ravindra Yavagal, born in 1959 in Karnataka, is a renowned Indian tabla maestro known for his exceptional artistry both as a soloist and accompanist in the Hindustani classical music tradition. Starting his tabla training at the tender age of four under the guidance of his father Ramachandra Yavagal, he further honed his craft with maestros like Veeranna Kamkar, Pandit Sheshagiri Hanagal, and Pandit Lalji Gokhale, a disciple of the legendary Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa. Recognized as a child prodigy, Ravindra gave his first solo performance at the prestigious Sawai Gandharva Music Festival when he was just ten years old, marking the beginning of a celebrated career that has spanned decades. His playing style is noted for its clarity, creativity, and a distinctive "gayaki" (vocal) approach to tabla, which beautifully complements the melodic flow of classical music.

Over the years, Pandit Yavagal has accompanied some of the greatest vocalists and instrumentalists in Indian classical music, including Pt. Mallikarjun Mansur, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Pt. Jasraj, and others, and has featured prominently on All India Radio as a top-ranking artist for over three decades. His contributions have been widely recognized with prestigious honors such as the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award (1995), Karnataka Kalashri Award (2016–17), and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2021). Beyond performance, he is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians through teaching and initiatives like the Sri Rama Kala Vedike Trust, which supports music education and the welfare of artists. His international concert tours and collaborations in fusion music have further broadened his impact, making him a vital figure in both preserving and innovating within Indian classical music.